Gianino, who worked at Platz Animal Hospital in Grosse Pointe Park and rescued cats, was discovered by her boyfriend shortly after midnight May 16 when he returned from his job at Marge's Bar. He called 911, was questioned and released. Police believe the strangling occurred about 11 p.m. prior night.

Days later, police arrested Williams and charged him with drug possession crimes but not the murder. The murder charges came on July 15, the same day prosecutors dropped the less serious drug allegations.

Williams, a probationer, has felony convictions in Louisiana stemming from a simple burglary in April of 1994 and distribution of cocaine from Mach of 1993. He'd been staying in the home next door.

Williams now faces up to life in prison. His sentencing is set for 9 a.m. April 8.